Since its release in 1993, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore has always been the black sheep of the AP family - the punk rock, rebellious cousin to the more distinguished and respectable classic Royal Oak. Eschewing designer Gerald Genta's devotion to slenderness and ergonomics, the first Offshore was a gigantic (at the time) 42mm that caused considerable controversy upon release. The traditional watchmaking world hated it. Critics called it "The Beast," and even Genta himself is said to have stormed the brand's booth at a show, exclaiming: "You have spoiled my watch!"